POLITICO Primary

The public has had it with Washington and conventional politics. It has lost trust and respect in the conventional governing class. There is mounting evidence voters don't see President Barack Obama or the current crop of GOP candidates as the clear and easy solution. As Democratic pollster Stan Greenberg argues, it seems likely if not inevitable an atmosphere this toxic and destabilized will produce an independent presidential candidate who could shake the political system.

If so, who? Is there a person in politics, business or entertainment who could harness the public's hunger for something new, different and inspiring? We put this question to readers on POLITICO, Yahoo, Facebook and Twitter as well as viewers of MSNBC's "Morning Joe" to solicit ideas and ultimately vote on them. This was part parlor game, part reporting assignment — and hinged entirely on voters and readers engaging in the debate. (The schedule is to the right and the rules are below).